Mandrels

What are mandrels and how do they work?

Mandrels are cylindrical steel work holders that fit through a hole in the work to grasp it. Some mandrels are tapered and forced through a hole in the work to grip it as in Figures 7–76 and 7–77. These mandrels are forced into the work using an arbor press and removed the same way. Others work by expanding after the work is slipped onto them. These expansion-types either are held only on the spindle end, as in Figure 7–78, or turn between centers for additional support, 7–79. One advantage to using mandrels is that they leave no grip marks on the work while maintaining concentricity. Another is that they provide tool access to the full length of the work. Mandrel surfaces and work mounting holes should be cleaned of debris and lubricated before assembly.

Copyright © 2004 Metal Arts Press